Identifying a target region of a three-dimensional object from a two-dimensional image

Abstract

A method for identifying a target region of a three-dimensional object in a two-dimensional image using a predetermined three-dimensional computer model which includes a number of main features of the three-dimensional object. The method includes designating the target region on the computer model, capturing a real scene which includes at least part of the three-dimensional object, displaying a two-dimensional representation of the real scene together with a view of the computer model, and allowing a user to manipulate the computer model by sizing, translating, or rotating. A view of the computer model and a partial view of the three-dimensional object are superimposed, in order to identify the target region in the two-dimensional representation.

1 . A method for identifying a target region of a three-dimensional object in a two-dimensional image using a predetermined three-dimensional computer model which includes a plurality of main features of the three-dimensional object, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) designating the target region on the computer model;    (b) capturing a real scene which includes at least part of the three-dimensional object;    (c) displaying a two-dimensional representation of said real scene together with a view of the computer model; and    (d) allowing a user to manipulate the computer model by at least one of sizing, translating and rotating, such that a view of the computer model and at least a partial view of the three-dimensional object are substantially superimposed, in order to identify the target region in said two-dimensional representation.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of sending data of said target region in said two-dimensional representation to an automated system.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of adjusting a level of detail of the computer model.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of adjusting lighting conditions of the computer model.  
   
   
       5 . A method for identifying a physical position of a region of a three-dimensional object from a two-dimensional image including the three-dimensional object using a predetermined three-dimensional computer model which includes a plurality of main features of the three-dimensional object, comprising steps of: 
 (a) capturing a real scene which includes at least part of the three-dimensional object;    (b) displaying a two-dimensional representation of said real scene together with a view of the computer model; and    (c) allowing a user to manipulate the computer model by at least one of sizing, translating and rotating, such that a view of the computer model and at least a partial view of the three-dimensional object are substantially superimposed, in order to identify the physical position of the region of the three-dimensional object.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising the step of designating the region on the computer model.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising the step of sending data of the physical position of the region to an automated system.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising the step of adjusting a level of detail of the computer model.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising the step of adjusting lighting conditions of the computer model.  
   
   
       10 . A system for facilitating user designation of a target region of a three-dimensional object viewed in a two-dimensional image using a predetermined three-dimensional computer model which includes a plurality of main features of the three-dimensional object, the system comprising: 
 (a) a camera configured for capturing a real scene which includes at least part of the three-dimensional object;    (b) a computer system having a processor, display device and input device, said camera being operationally connected to said computer system, wherein said processor is configured: 
 (i) to display on said display device a two-dimensional representation of said real scene together with a view of the computer model;  
 (ii) to respond to a user input via said input device so as to allow a user to manipulate said view of the computer model by at least one of sizing, translating and rotating; and  
 (iii) to receive a designation input from the user indicative that a current view of the computer model and the at least partial view of the three-dimensional object are substantially superimposed, thereby determining a position of the target region of the three-dimensional object.  
   
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising an automated system operationally connected to said computer system, said automated system configured for processing data of the target region.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said input device and said processor are configured for allowing a user to adjust a level of detail of the computer model.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said input device and said processor are configured for allowing a user to adjust lighting conditions of the computer model.